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Good morning!
Here’s a concise roundup of the top stories making headlines across Nigerian newspapers today.
1. South-East Tensions Rise Over IPOB Sit-at-Home Order
Residents of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states are facing renewed security concerns following a sit-at-home order declared by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The group described the action as a “Biafra-wide solidarity lockdown” in protest against the one-week closure of Onitsha’s main market by Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo.
2. Dozens of Terrorists Killed in North-West Military Operation
Several terrorists were killed while others sustained severe injuries during a fierce gun battle with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in North-West Nigeria. According to the operation’s spokesperson, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the encounter followed days of intelligence-led surveillance by ground forces and the Nigerian Air Force.
3. INEC Removes Abure-Led Labour Party Executives
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the names of the Julius Abure-led Labour Party executives from its official portal following their removal by a Federal High Court ruling. The party’s spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, described INEC’s action as “strange” and said the party would challenge the decision.
4. Abuja Hospital Speaks on Singer’s Death After Snake Bite
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, has addressed the death of rising singer Ifunanya Nwagene, who reportedly died after suffering a snake bite. The hospital said its medical team made extensive efforts to save her life, but she unfortunately did not survive.
5. Niger Assembly Speaker Praises Security Agencies
Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, has applauded the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for successful operations against bandits in Mariga Local Government Area and parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
6. NDLEA Arrests Brazil-Based Nigerian With Cocaine
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Uche Franklin Onyekwere, a Nigeria-born businessman based in Brazil, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. He was caught concealing 1.6kg of cocaine in his private parts and shoe soles, confirmed through a full-body scan.
7. Edo Police Rescue Kidnap Victims, Arrest Suspects
The Edo State Police Command has rescued three kidnapped victims—a man and his two wives—in Ekpoma. Eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, while five others were apprehended for allegedly vandalising a petroleum pipeline in Edo Central Senatorial District.
8. FCTA Workers Receive January Salaries, Wage Arrears
Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) received their January salaries last Friday, along with one month of the five-month Wage Award arrears owed to them. Officials confirmed that two months have now been paid, with the remaining arrears scheduled for February, March, and April.
9. Defence Minister Says He Was Target in Foiled Coup Plot
Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has revealed that he was among the intended targets of a recently foiled coup plot against President Bola Tinubu. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Musa said the conspirators planned to arrest or shoot him if he resisted.
10. Alex Otti Reacts to Peter Obi’s Exit from Labour Party
Abia State Governor and Labour Party leader, Dr. Alex Otti, has described the exit of former presidential candidate Peter Obi as “deeply regrettable.” Otti acknowledged that Obi’s departure represents a significant loss amid the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.
That’s your Monday morning briefing. Stay informed and have a productive day.
